Cardinals postseason legend David Freese has struck in this loser-heads-home NLDS Game 5.

What looked like a brewing pitcher’s duel suddenly turned into an early 2-0 lead for host St. Louis when Freese launched a two-run homer to left field with two outs in the bottom of the second inning, setting off a round of fireworks at Busch Stadium. Jon Jay drew a two-out walk in an eight-pitch at-bat off Pirates starter Gerrit Cole to set up the big two-run blast.

Freese — including this year’s results — is a .325/.391/.593 hitter in 35 postseason games.

Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright has held the Pirates to one hit in his first two frames.